Anime fans across the world were stunned when the news that Kyoto Animation office was on fire due to an arson attack on July 18.
Kyoto Animation, often abbreviated as “KyoAni” is a Japanese animation studio that started in 1981, and is renowned for their good treatment of staff being salaried employees rather than freelance workers. This is fairly unusual in the animating world, but they have gone to prove that this works with excellent quality in every frame in their releases. This studio produced anime series and films including Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, Lucky Star, Nichijou and so many more beloved anime films and series.
Yoshiki who wishes to support the home animation company donated 10 million yen in support of the victims and survivors of the fire. See his statement below.
“I am in the United States. I learned about the Kyoto Animation fire on the local news. My heart aches. Japanese anime, and each one of those creators, is a treasure of the world. I hope they recover as soon as possible.”
“I’m always doing tours around the world. No matter where I go, animation fans come to my concerts and support my global activities. I’m always grateful to them. And I always want to contribute to the development of Japan’s anime culture, which I consider one of the world’s treasures. I truly share the pain of those who lost their families. I really hope this will assist the bereaved, and also hope that the circle of support around them will expand.”
According to the organizers of Germany’s Animafic, the premiere for KyoAni’s Violet Evergarden Side-Story: Eternity and the Auto Memories Doll is still scheduled for an August 3 “at the express request of the studio.” The movie will be released as planned across Japan in September.
Violet Evergarden Side-Story: Eternity and the Auto Memories Doll poster.
If you too want to make monetary contributions to KyoAni, they have now set up a bank account in which you can make direct donations to and have also provided details on their official website for how donations will be used to provide for the victim’s families, and the reconstruction of the KyoAni building.
We hope the staff and families of KyoAni recover soon, and we thank Yoshiki for his contribution in helping the animation community.
More info:
Yoshiki Official Website
X Japan Official Website
Yoshiki Foundation America
Yoshikimono
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